Why Leaves Fall and Other Autumn Foliage Secrets Revealed

Bedford Hills, NY  September 25, 2007  Some qualities of nature that amaze during childhood become less wonderful over time, but the splendor of autumn seems to inspire even more wonder with age. So, is this brilliant display of beauty just Mother Nature’s fall fashion show, or is there a method to the magic? Arborists at SavATree have called upon their professional knowledge and personal observations to provide answers to tree curiosities that accompany the fall season and share tips to help maximize the leaf peeping experience.

When and How Leaves Change Color
“Trees interpret increasing darkness as a sign that winter is on its way and start to make adjustments for freezing temperatures and harsh conditions,” says SavATree Arborist Brad Gurr. As food production slows down, the chlorophyll that gives leaves their green color begins to break down and disappear. After this happens, the yellow and orange carotenoids already in the leaf become visible. Red and purple colors come from anthocyanins produced by some species during autumn in response to sunlight and excess sugars that get trapped in the leaves. Temperature, light, and water supply conditions have the greatest influence over the timing, intensity and duration of fall color. “Optimal conditions generally consist of cool, but not freezing, temperatures, mild late-season drought and an abundance of bright, sunny days,” says Gurr, “Late season warmth usually means more chlorophyll and that can delay the onset of fall. Too much drought or an early frost weakens intensity.” The “wave” of color usually starts at the end of September. It runs from north to south, from mountains down to valleys, beginning with light yellows and ending with the darkest reds early in November. Peaks follow the same pattern.

Why Leaves Fall and What Happens To Them
While humans revel in fall color, trees are making changes to keep from drying out in the severely cold, dry air of winter. Evergreens have needle-like foliage with a heavy wax-like coating to help keep in moisture, and the fluid in their cells contains substances resistant to freezing. However, broadleaf trees contain a thin, watery sap that freezes easily. “Most of their parts, including stems, twigs and buds are capable of surviving extreme cold,” explains SavATree Arborist David Horvath, “but the leaf tissues are very tender. Trees must seal them off before going dormant in order to ensure their survival through the winter.” As leaf veins transfer nutrients to the trunk and roots, a special corky separation layer of cells gradually forms where the leaf stem is attached to the tree, and it begins to sever the attachment. When food production ends, the tree seals off the cut. Without that connection for support, wind and gravity drop the leaves away from the tree. Once on the ground, leaves decompose, restock the soil with nutrients, and help make up the spongy layer of soil that absorbs and holds rainwater. Horvath adds, “Fall is also an opportunity for homeowners to monitor obvious tree health indicators and seek help if needed. Early color and premature leaf drop are signs of stress and may be symptoms of tree disease, insect infestation or another issue.”

Tips To Maximize the Fall Foliage Experience
The most intense fall colors occur in areas with vast stands of similar trees that turn color at the same time like in New England. For the most varied and longest lasting color, seek areas with a dozen or more varieties. Consider leaving your car behind and taking in views on a hike, boat, or train ride. Try to observe scenery at different times during the day to experience the varying, but equally stunning, light effects produced in morning, afternoon and twilight. “To significantly enhance your enjoyment of the autumn season remember to use all five of your senses,” says SavATree President Daniel van Starrenburg, “There’s more to autumn than an eye-popping palette of color. There are also sweet aromas, the sound of swirling leaves blowing by in the wind, the unique texture of bark, and that crunchy feel beneath your feet. Fall is harvest season and a great time to enjoy the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables at an outdoor picnic.”

“We appreciate the time and attention that your Arbor Patrol team takes to maintain the overall health and appearance of the trees, bushes and general grounds. As they say, you can only have one first impression and the impression the grounds make on both residents and visitors alike is always positive thanks to your caring maintenance. Just as the trees continue to grow and blossom under your care, we hope our relationship with SavATree does the same.” William ToedterSouthampton, NY

“For over 14 years, I have entrusted the care of my trees, plants and orchard to SavATree. Their highly qualified arborists have exacting standards and understand how to maintain the health and form of the various species of trees on my property. I admire the artistic skill that goes into the pruning and love the colorful blossoms, fruits and foliage that flourish as a result of their impeccable care.”Martha StewartKatonah, NY

“Alan and crew did a tremendous job at our house in Windsor yesterday, Monday, Sept. 28. With great skill they removed two large trees, trimmed another tree plus doing three other smaller projects. One of the trees was a significant challenge with a split in the trunk and branches extending over busy Windsor Avenue. Alan engineered the project with with careful attention to safety. I appreciated his friendly helpful manner throughout the day and his willingness to accommodate us with an additional request. At the end of the day I asked them if they always worked this hard! They acted as if this was just a normal day for them. We have lots of pictures of the day's activity if you want them. Our thanks to them for a job well done.”Julie FewsterWindsor, CT

“Let me say that Vassar's association with SavATree has been very positive and we are achieving great success in managing our campus trees in terms of safety and aesthetics. And our insurance carrier is quite pleased with this effort. Vassar is pleased with SavATree and the work being performed on campus.”Jeffrey C. Horst, Vassar CollegePoughkeepsie, NY

“Your tree crew (a father and two sons) just finished removing two trees, and pruning another on my property. They were extremely neat and professional, making sure that everything was they way they found it. I could not be more satisfied. I definitely plan on using your company for any future tree work on my property, and will also heartily recommend you to anyone I know needing your services.”J. AndersenDanbury, CT

“I was speaking with my husband about all the workers we have had on our new landscape over the past year and a half and we are so pleased with you and your staff. I trust [SavATree's] knowledge, experience, and expertise. I also would like to thank you for always being available should an issue arise. I feel like we are in the best of hands...Thanks so much for making our property beautiful.”J. StauberPurchase, NY

“I have just had my trees done. Getting to the trees on my property is very difficult because of the way the property is. I would like to thank the men that did the work for me...they worked very hard.”S. DeVeauCortlandt Manor, NY

“Efficient, high quality, professional competence -- all at a competetive sum. At first [Alison] Pottage won me over by her solid knowledge as an arborist, then the crew did their job to her specifications on our 60 to 70 foot oaks within a remarkable period of time -- and left the grounds quite clean.”Bob BusserPhiladelphia, PA

“We appreciate the time and attention that you and your Arbor Patrol team take to maintain the overall health and appearance of the trees, bushes and general grounds. As they say, you can only have one first impression and the impression the grounds make on both residents and visitors alike is always positive thanks to your caring maintenance. Just as the trees continue to grow and blossom under your care, we hope our relationship with SavATree does the same.”William ToedterSouthampton, NY

“We always have a quick note of info after every treatment and even more important to us, [SavATree] always mentions our dogs. This is because we've requested no weed [treatment] on their fenced in area and [SavATree] assures us of this when such applications are made...And in addition to that, our lawn looks great! Thank you for your great service.”Kimberly and Bruce WilliamsCape Cod, MA

“My wife and I are very pleased with the professionalism and expertise of the Old Brookville branch of SavATree, whom we hired to perform tree services at our home. Beginning with the initial phone contact with the office manager. She was always pleasant and professional during each of my numerous calls. [The arborist] who came to provide an assessment and initial estimate, understood the tree services we needed and was very thorough and knowledgeable. Additionally, the professionals who performed the tree services were diligent, efficient and friendly. These professionals are hard working and are excellent in performing tree services. I would not hesitate to hire SavATree again and recommend their services without reservation.”Richard ChanDix Hills, NY

“I cannot say enough good things about your Old Saybrook office and the people who work there. I can say though, that it is due mainly to the people why I choose to do business there. I know that pricing is important, and your company is very competitive in the market here, but it’s the people that really make it work.” ”Kristin Lin Care, CPOEvergreen WoodsNorth Branford, CT

“Five or six years ago, I wrote you a note singing the praises of my then arborist, Richard Eaton. I was sorry to see him go…For the past several years, Brad Gurr has been our arborist. I'm very happy to tell you that Brad takes just as good care of our trees as Richard did, and he, like Richard is a gracious and generous teacher, who goes out of his way to make sure that the trees on our property are healthy and well-groomed, if one can call a tree well-groomed! Warm regards…and thanks again for creating a company that's offered us so much.”April and Jim BensonOssining, NY

“Many, many thanks for the work you did at Updike Farm. The care you showed our fruit trees, maples, and ornamental cherries will offer them a chance to recover from years of neglect. With so many challenges facing the Society at the farm, it is reassuring to know that many of the trees have been professionally cared for.”Gail F. Stern, DirectorHistorical Society of Princeton Princeton, NJ

“It is always a pleasure working with SavATree as your company provides the best plant, tree and lawn health care that we have experienced at the Ives. Always professional, courteous and responsive to our needs, SavATree’s services have provided our employees and patrons with pleasant outdoor experiences in an insect free environment for several years. Not only are SavATree’s treatments most effective but also delivered on time and with the utmost professionalism. In this business the show must go on and SavATree always ensures that it does!”Kathleen G. Gallagher, Executive DirectorThe Charles Ives Center for the Arts Danbury, CT

“Thank you for an excellent job. Your workers were very competent, very efficient, very clean- and, most of all, very polite!”Phyllis KahnHyannis Port, MA

“I want to commend you and your associates for the great work and the great attitude shown on my job. They were on time, friendly, professional and caring about doing the job right. As I was driving around my neighborhood I noticed how many different tree companies were at work over the past several days. They ranged from guys in a pickup with a chain saw to companies with their names on lots of expensive equipment to pay for. I also took time to look at the people who were working for those companies and using the equipment. I know it is not fair to judge a book by its cover, but I could not help thinking that I could have chosen any of their names at random from the phonebook. I am so happy that I happened to choose the best - SavATree. I will not hesitate to recommend you and to your company to anyone I meet who is considering tree work. I know they will thank me.”Lee WilliamsWayne, PA

“SavATree has worked closely with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save and nurture trees at our historic sites. I appreciate the professionalism and dedication of SavATree's knowledgeable arborists. Thank you for the work you have done to preserve and enhance the natural landscape of our historic sites.”Richard MoePresident National Trust for Historic Preservation

“After four different unsatisfactory visits with so-called arborists, I found SavaTree...When I first called for a consultation for trees on my property I was most impressed with the professionalism of David and his colleagues. They were most knowledgeable, fair with their assessment about what needed to be done with the trees on my lot, yet very attuned with what my concerns and my most recent unacceptable experiences with another contractor. I highly recommend David Wesley and his crew without any hesitation. In a field where there is an abundance of folks looking to take advantage of consumers with many trees on their lot, SavaTree, David and crew strike me as incredibly honest and proud arborists which do a fantastic job. Thanks for a job well done. I look forward to continuing my relationship with SavaTree and David.”Debbie DurkinSilver Spring, MD

“Allan Fenner came to my property in early July to review the scope of work for the project. He gave me a mental vision of what the finished product would look like in enough detail that any novice could comprehend. During the day of the pruning, he came to the site a couple of times to offer further explanation of what the tree climbers were doing at the time and what was to follow. They were all very polite and the clean-up in front and back was meticulous . They are most competent in what they do and it is quite obvious that they truly enjoy their work. The finished product was even more outstanding than I first imagined. My neighbors and I thought my back yard looked so refreshed, it looked like someone else's property! Finally, Allan's courteous follow-up by phone was most appreciated.”Judy BigelowWest Hartford, CT

“This past Saturday night about 8 P.M. during that terrible rain/wind storm, there was some excitement in my neighborhood. A huge, old, double oak tree split and came crashing down in my next door neighbor's driveway falling on their cars and also brought down the power and phone lines. The Wyckoff police were very responsive and advised my neighbors that they could not go back into their house so they stayed with me. They were very shaken and still traumatized at the wrath of Mother Nature. On Sunday, I was given Brian Brunsch's number at SavATree. He was in the Poconos for the weekend and he came back to Wyckoff to assess the damage. I must say that my neighbor did call at least 4 other places and was only able to leave messages. Brian responded right away. His crew did the best they could to shore up the rest of the tree so that my neighbors would be protected from it falling anymore. They felt reassured and safe now. On Monday morning, his crew came to finish the job and what a job it was! They did meticulous work. With the exception of the stump still remaining for insurance evaluation, it doesn't look like anything happened. A lesson that was learned is to have your trees monitored by a tree expert and SavATree is the company to call.”Christine SchrollerPresident Mortgage Professionals, Inc. Wyckoff, NJ

“Thank you on behalf of my kids for the great rope ride...they’re still talking about it..made me proud to be a SavATree customer.”Bob MinzesheimerOssining, NY

“I didn't get a chance to tell you how wonderful the SavATree experience was at my home last week. As we went tree to tree that was trimmed, we admired the individual artistry and care that was applied to each tree and realized that it was ‘exactly the amount’ needed to be trimmed. My neighbor also raved about the professionalism of your crew, and how polite and considerate they were. Thank you!”Al IrizarryChestnut Ridge, NY

“SavATree’s crosscut sawing activity at Historic Hudson Valley’s River Day festival at Van Cortlandt Manor was a wonderful addition to the event and a huge hit with our visitors. As always, your staff did a superb job- the skill with which they interact with the public is just extraordinary. All of us at Historic Hudson Valley are most grateful for SavATree’s partnership, both as a steward of our historic landscape and as a presenter of dynamic programs that enliven our special events.”Wadell W. StillmanPresident Historic Hudson Valley, NY

“You take on a job, call it a problem, gigantic or small, and you go to it. True Professionals. I am at peace for having found SavATree. Sometimes bills are paid grudgingly. I pay with respect to a company whose pride lives up to its logo. It’s love of what you do and I thank you.”Sam FinkGreat Neck, NY

“Speaking as Mayor of Briarcliff Manor, SavATree has contributed time to help protect some Hemlocks in our Law Park, which is really the showplace of our Village. They have also provided advice for the care of some of our sensitive park trees) i.e. a stand of Japanese Black Pine in a park jutting out in the Hudson River), and care of damaged trees along some of our roads. I wanted to bring this to your attention and thank SavATree for their efforts and contribution to improving the quality of life in our village. The Friends of Rockwood Park, the Rockefeller State Park and the public are indebted to SavATree for the time and effort it has contributed to rescuing these beautiful, valuable and very special trees.”Keith AustinBriarcliff Manor, NY

“Just a note to let you know we very satisfied with the work your company did clearing trees, pruning, and cleaning our property. My wife and I especially appreciated the ease with which you worked with us, and your cooperation, particularly when we were uncertain as to the trees that should be trimmed and how they would look when all was done. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and expertise.”Anthony DeAngelisWorcester, MA

“This is concerning the Certified Arborist, Thomas Marino. I have met him through SavATree. His care and concern for our home during the removal of our trees as well as his advice for future tree care has been exemplary. I look forward to working with him again in the near future.”Katie Stratis Executive Director The Studio Armonk, NY

“I am a new and highly satisfied customer of SavATree. For 50 years I have lived in the same house in the Greenhaven area, and in that time I have never had a tree company that gave me such fine service. I attribute this excellent service chiefly to my arborist, Scot Boyce. Scot has always replied promptly to my phone inquiries and given me sound advice, but today he won me for life as a SavATree customer. I asked him to come look at a Japanese maple that was shading my terrace and discuss pruning it, but when he saw how beautiful it was he advised me to move my lawn chair from time to time and leave the noble tree alone- a loss of immediate business for your company, but a long term investment in customer loyalty.”Joan KleinbardRye, NY

“Their arborists are very knowledgeable and make appropriate recommendations to enhance the safety and beauty of our grounds. The SavATree crew pruned, and placed cables and braces in our mature sugar maples which outline our driveway to the club to preserve their life and magnificent presence. SavATree is a professional group, conscientious, on time and easy to work with.”Timothy J. StranoGolf Course Superintendent Concord Country Club Concord, MA

“What touched me were the cooperative spirit and the energy and enthusiasm of the people at SavATree. There are so many institutions that are worthy of some kind of an altruistic spirit, and for our school to be selected for an Arbor Day activity is an honor. More then that, Steve Skyer and the people he works with spent a whole day with us. SavATree went out on a limb to plant and root a future for our school.”Doug FlemingHeadmaster, Thornton-Donovan SchoolNew Rochelle, NY

“Thank you for making our lawn the best on our street. We have had many compliments.”Mr. and Mrs Herbert E. QuinleyPawcatuck, CT

“I have been very happy with SavATree’s services. In particular, their Arbor Patrol program gives me peace of mind knowing that someone is regularly scouting for insect, disease and structural issues before they accelerate and threaten the health of our trees and plantings.”Steve WirthGolf Course Superintendent Cherry Valley Country Club Skillman, NJ

“Keep up the good work! I'm extremely pleased. My lawn was terrible before you took over the job. Now it's beautiful.”Andrea KalanBryn Mawr, PA

“Thank you for the wonderful lawn care and woodland management work you do!”George E. RyanOld Lyme, CT

“The only problem I ever had was of the branches that were trimmed, some remained in the tree. The crew came back and got them all out. Ann and co. are all wonderful. I love them and your company.”Jeffrey BealeSalem, MA

“On behalf of the Township of Maplewood, I would like to take this opportunity to thank SavATree and especially your arborist, Lori Ann, for the wonderful care that you are giving to the Township tree. The pruning that was performed by your arborists helped provide a much safer environment for pedestrians and vehicles in an extremely busy area. The work was carried out in a most professional manner with the utmost care.”J. Todd LammSupervisor of Parks and Shade Tree N.J. Certified Tree Expert

“Thank you so much for volunteering your time and talents. Sunset Lake Park looks beautiful and it's all because of you!”Lisa SimmsDirector of the New Jersey Tree Foundations

“The Pleasantville Country Club has had the benefit of SavATree’s tree care services for more than ten years. Our experience with SavATree has been a very good one. We have found the staff to be very knowledgeable in all aspects of tree and shrub care. Equally impressive has been the reliability and enthusiasm of the staff members we have dealt with through the years.”Joe Potenza Vice President Pleasantville Country Club Corporation, Inc. Pleasantville, NY

“Thank you for coming to our home yesterday to give us an evaluation on some of our trees, bushes and lawn. You always educate us how to improve our landscape endeavors. We also want to let you know how pleased we are with the improvement on our lawn after just on year of service. It was looking pretty pitiful this time last year. Thanks again for coming over. We were educated about our yard and got to talk about Lacrosse (the good ole' days).”Jerry and Sue FinkEnfield, CT

“Absolutely one of the best in the business. We had to have our front tree taken down. The crew did a terrific job in the remove process. They left the site so clean that it was hard to tell they were there; except for the missing tree. Later this year the stump will be ground out and in the spring they will be replanting a new tree. One of the best companies I have done business with in years. The customer service as well as all the employees exceed all expections. Well Done!!!!”James E. SorrellWethersfield, CT

“It is always my pleasure to recommend SavATree to anyone who wishes to provide the absolute best arbor care for all plant material on their property. I have worked with many different arborists, but SavATree has the finest, the most experienced highest quality arborists that I have ever come across. Their teams are made up of individuals who are always reliable, honest, conscientious, hard working, and pay attention to details. When it comes to tree pruning, take downs, vista clearing, orchard or garden maintenance, SavATree does it all, and they do it very, very well.”Andra Smarek, HorticulturalistFishkill, NY